The biggest hurdles are usually pacing (running out of time on the calculator and no-calculator sections), misunderstanding question formats, and gaps in foundational algebra or geometry skills. Many students also struggle with word problems that require translating English into equations, or with grid-in questions where one small error ruins the answer. A tutor can help you recognize patterns in the questions you miss and develop strategies to work more efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.

Effective pacing comes from practice with actual SAT questions under timed conditions, combined with strategic problem-solving techniques. A tutor can teach you which problems to tackle first (easier ones to build confidence), when to skip and return to harder questions, and how to estimate answers quickly when you're stuck. Spending 3-4 minutes on a single problem often costs you more than guessing and moving forward—your tutor will help you find that balance.

Your first session focuses on understanding your baseline skills and test-taking habits. You'll likely take a practice test section or review problems you've struggled with, so your tutor can identify patterns in your mistakes—whether they're careless errors, conceptual gaps, or timing issues. From there, you'll work together to create a personalized study plan that targets your specific weak areas and fits your timeline before test day.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the test format, and build endurance for the full exam. Taking full, timed practice tests every 2-3 weeks helps you track progress and reveals whether your mistakes are knowledge gaps or pacing problems. Your tutor will use practice test results to guide your study focus and help you understand not just what you got wrong, but why you got it wrong.

Confidence comes from familiarity and mastery. When you work with a tutor to build real skills and practice under realistic test conditions, anxiety naturally decreases because you know what to expect and trust your abilities. Your tutor can also teach you practical strategies like deep breathing before difficult problems, how to manage the mental pressure of the clock, and how to recognize when you're overthinking a question versus when you genuinely don't know the answer.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven SAT test prep experience, and a track record of helping students improve scores. Ideally, your tutor should be familiar with the current SAT format, understand the specific challenges of the math sections, and be able to explain concepts clearly without overwhelming you. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can tailor their approach to your learning style and goals.

Most students benefit from 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions. If you're starting 3-4 months before test day, this pace gives you time to build skills, take practice tests, and refine your strategy. If you're closer to test day or have significant gaps to fill, you might increase to 3-4 sessions weekly. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that fits your other commitments while keeping you on track.